Cheonggyecheon Stream & Cheonggye Plaza
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SONSIK PLACE FOR THE MONTH JULY, 2018 EDITION Cheonggyecheon Stream & Cheonggye Plaza (청계천 & 청계광장) Chenggyecheon Stream Cheonggyecheon is an 11 km long modern stream that runs through downtown Seoul. It existed only as a neglected waterway hidden by an overpass until it was restored in 2005. Today, Cheonggyecheon Stream has been transformed into a haven of natural beauty amidst the bustle of city life. The stream was covered with an elevated highway after the Korean War (1950-1953), as part of the country's post-war economic development. Then in 2003, the elevated highway was removed to restore the stream to its present form today. The stream starts from Cheonggye Plaza, a popular cultural arts venue, and passes under the 22 bridges before flowing into the Hangang (River), with many attractions along its length. Cheonggyecheon’s turbulent history is on display at the Cheonggyecheon Museum which opened in September 2005. The museum offers visitors the chance to learn about the many changes the stream has seen, including being buried underground and being restored. The story is told with the help of a scale-model and period photographs. Admission is free. Cheonggye Plaza Cheonggye Plaza is located at the starting point of Cheonggyecheon Stream that roughly covers an area of 2,500 square meters. The square, created based on the design of traditional Korean bojagi (a colorful wrapping cloth), features the elegant beauty of traditional stonework that is colorful yet refined. The plaza also includes a model of Cheonggyecheon that provides visitors with a bird's-eye view of the formerly restored Cheonggyecheon Stream. At the plaza, there are plaques that provide detailed commentaries on the 22 bridges that span the stream, as well as a number of graceful fountains that add to the ambience of the area. The area commemorates the Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration Project, and symbolizes gathering, harmony, peace, and unity. After the completion of Cheonggye Plaza, Seoul Metropolitan Government designated the area as a vehicle-free zone on holidays, providing more leisure space for pedestrians. Since then, the waterfront areas of Cheonggyecheon Stream, and the surrounding streets have become popular places for those seeking refreshment and a variety of cultural experiences. A favorite of many is the Candle Fountain, which features the magnificent synchronicity of three different lighting fixtures and a 4m high, two-tiered waterfall. Along the two sides of the waterfall are the Palseokdam wishing wells, made of 8 different stones from each of the nation's 8 provinces. Cheonggye Plaza never goes to sleep; visitors can enjoy the fantastic display of light and water even at night. ADDRESS 03187, 37 Mugyo-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea (Seorin-dong) DIRECTIONS Cheonggyecheon Stream Subway: Line 1 City Hall Stn. Exit 4. Walk 5 minutes. Line 2 Euljiro 1(il)-ga Stn. Exit 2 or 3. Walk 10 minutes. Line 4 Dongdaemun Stn. Exit 6 or 8. Walk 5 minutes. Bus: Take any bus bound for Gwanghwamun or Jongno. Cheonggye Plaza Subway: Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 5 City Hall Station (Seoul Subway Line 1, 2), Exit 4 OPENING DATE: N/A (Open all year round) Tour Course Information Route 1 (Distance: 2.9 ㎞/Duration: 3 hours) Cheonggyecheon Plaza - Gwangtonggyo Bridge - Samilgyo Bridge (Jongno, Insadong) - Ogansugyo Bridge (Dongdaemun Fashion Town) - Saebyeokdari (Bridge of Dawn; Gwangjang Market, Bangsan Market) - Supyogyo Bridge Route 2 (Distance: 2.6 ㎞/Duration: 2.5 hours) Cheonggyecheon Culture Center - Gosanjagyo Bridge - Dumuldari Bridge - Malgeunnaedari Bridge - Ogansugyo Bridge (Dongdaemun Fashion Town) Parking Facilities Use nearby parking lots Restrooms Available in major buildings along the stream Facilities for the Handicapped Accessible entrance, elevators (Hwanghakgyo Bridge, Samilgyo Bridge), wheelchair rental service (Cheonggye Plaza Information Center, Ogansugyo Information Center) Reservation Information for Foreigners Walking tour (Inquiries: +82-2-397-5908) Route: Cheonggye Plaza/Cheonggye Culture Center - Ogansugyo Bridge (Schedule: 3 times daily / Languages: English, Japanese, Chinese) Baby Stroller Rentals Available at Chenggye Plaza Information Center and Ogansugyo Information Center Inquiry: +82-2-2290-6803 FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.sisul.or.kr/grobal/cheonggye/eng/WebContent/index.html Useful Links: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=897540 http://english.visitseoul.net/attractions/Cheonggyecheon-Stream_/35 Compiled by: Dr. Arun Gupta Executive Member, SONSIK 14th EC .